Picking The Perfect Christmas Tree

It's coming up on Christmas time, which means that people are decorating their Santa Cruz home with lights and tinsel. It also means that it's time to pick a Christmas tree. If you've never had a real Christmas tree or you never seem to get it quite right, these tips and tricks can help you pick the perfect tree:

Buying Your TreeMeasure where you're going to place the tree in your [city] home, from ceiling to floor. You'll want your tree to be at least a foot shorter than the ceiling, so take a measuring tape with you when you shop for your tree.When measuring for height, adjust for the star, angel or topknot that you'll be using; most can add as much as twelve inches to the height of your tree.

Measure the opening of your Christmas tree stand, so you know how wide the base of the tree can be.

The base of the tree should be straight and at least six inches long to fit nicely into your tree stand.

Run your fingers along the needles of the tree you're looking at, and give the tree a shake. Very few needles should fall off.

For the best shape, full branches, rich color and good needle retention on Christmas trees, choose a Balsam fir, Douglas fir, Fraser fir, Noble fir or Scotch pine.

Buy as soon as you can for the best quality, or wait longer for best price.

Taking Care of Your TreeAfter you get it home, cut an inch off the base so your tree can take in water more easily. Make sure the cut is straight.

Use a stand that holds at least one gallon of water. Make sure you water your tree often. This keeps the needles from drying, as well as keeping the fragrance strong. Check the water level every few hours.

Don't add anything to the water – no aspirin, soda water, bleach, etc. - to keep it fresh. According to the experts, lots of plain water is best.Keep cheerful Christmas spirit alive by having the perfect Christmas tree in your Santa Cruz home, one that's lush and brightly decorated.

Want a new home to decorate? I can help.

For more information about buying and selling a Santa Cruz home, email me at lauren@laurenspencer.com or give me a call at 831.662.6522.

About Lauren Spencer

Award-Winning Santa Cruz REALTOR®

Lauren Spencer is your local real estate expert, specializing in Santa Cruz real estate and surrounding communities—this is where she lives, works, and plays too. Let her know your questions about the community and county and she'll be happy to fill you in on all you want to know! Lauren Spencer has consistently been voted best local REALTOR in Santa Cruz and is always happy to offer her advice and expertise. Call her at: 800.226.4717.